MINNEAPOLIS -- Joe Mauer was held out of the Minnesota Twins starting lineup Friday against the Boston Red Sox due to lingering back soreness.

Mauer came to the ballpark Friday afternoon with a stiff back, and didn't take batting practice on the field as the Twins prepared to face right-hander Clay Buchholz. As a result, Mauer is unlikely to be available unless in an emergency situation.

"He came in with a stiff back and the decision was not to play him," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We'll see how he does through the night, and check on him for tomorrow. We'll see how it goes."

Chris Parmelee, who had never hit above fourth in a Major League lineup, took over Mauer's No. 2 spot in the Twins' batting order.